FC Porto safe down the right with Alberto Costa and Martim Fernandes | OneFootball

Unlike what happened last summer, no major overhaul of FC Porto’s squad is expected this year. Even so, changes may still take place in several areas, depending on how the market develops, especially when it comes to departures. For now, the right side of the defence appears to be secured, with another intense battle expected between Alberto Costa and Martim Fernandes.

Both full-backs were important figures in FC Porto’s successful season, bringing great intensity to the right flank at different moments and managing to combine defensive solidity with influence in the team’s attacking play. Now, in 2026/27, the level of demand rises, mainly because of their presence in the Champions League, but both Alberto and Martim have already shown they can be relied on in more difficult matches.

In the season that has just ended, Alberto Costa ended up playing more minutes than Martim Fernandes, as the number 52 was sidelined for some time due to physical problems. Even so, whenever he was fit, the young player developed at the Dragons was often one of Farioli’s options, not least because, besides what he offers on the right flank, he also provides solutions on the left. He finished 2025/26 with 33 matches, one goal and two assists. Number 20, meanwhile, in his first season in blue and white, took part in 47 matches, scored one goal and provided eight assists.

Besides the position they play, FC Porto’s two right-backs share the ambition of representing Portugal. It was a goal that, at different stages of last season, seemed like it might come true, but in the end it did not happen. In the future, with the likely new cycle in the national team, both still hold out hope of reaching that level, and the competition between them at club level may even help raise both their standards to the point of earning call-ups for the challenges ahead.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.